Alternative Certification Program

• Candidates must complete TEA's 50 hours of field experiences, with 25 of those hours being interactive with K-12 students 
• Candidates must obtain, and submit to the CPDT Office, a contract or "Letter of Intent to Hire" from a participating independent school districts, prior to January 1st (spring semester) or August 1st (fall semester) the semester's
• Candidates may only be hired to teach in their area of certification.
• Apply for Probationary or Intern Certificate with fees on the TEA Website.
• Candidates must submit all required documentation to the CPDT office prior to the start of the teaching position.
• Special Notes:
  • The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that all candidates remain under university supervision while in the program and serving as the Teacher of Record in a public school;
  • Candidates may remain on a probationary certificate for one to two years while completing coursework and serving as the Teacher of Record in a public school, if satisfactory progress is being made;
  • An intern certificate is limited to one 12-month period. (TAC7, 230.36), However, a candidate who served a year on an intern certificate may be eligible for a probationary certificate for their second and third year; and
  • Periodic eligibility audits.

Please visit Texas Residency at UHCL.

• ACP Internship – Teacher of Record
• Candidates are hired by a school district as the Teacher of Record.
• Candidate receives a full teacher salary, insurance, and other district benefits while completing certification requirements.
• Best suited for candidates who are prepared to assume responsibility for their own classroom. Candidates are supported by a field supervisor and mentor teacher provided by the school.
• Candidates need to contact the Office of Educator PATHways (formerly the CPDT Office) at dpathways@uhcl.edu with their "Letter of Intent to Hire" from participating school districts, prior to August 1st (fall semester) or January 1st (spring semester). 
• Candidates must pass the required content exams, apply to UHCL's internship program, apply to TEA for an intern certificate, and secure a teaching position.
• Candidates need to contact the Office of Educator PATHways with any questions.
• ACP Residency – Extended Support
• Year-long, paid clinical experience with increased mentoring and support.
• Provides candidates with additional time to develop their teaching skills alongside experienced educators, a field supervisor, and a site coordinator.
• An excellent option for ACP candidates who feel they would benefit from additional support and a more gradual transition into the teaching profession.
• For more information, please visit our Hawks Teach Residency page.